The federal government has outlined a key condition for engaging in negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), requesting a guarantee from the party’s founder, Imran Khan, that any agreement reached during the talks will be fully accepted.
Sources indicate that the government has specifically sought Imran Khan’s personal guarantee to proceed with the negotiations. This demand has been communicated to PTI’s leadership, emphasizing that Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, must personally commit to accepting the results of the negotiation process.
The government views the former prime minister as someone who has treated the government-opposition talks as a game in the past, and believes his endorsement is crucial for the talks to succeed. As one source explained, “If the founding chairman does not accept the outcomes, the entire dialogue process will be meaningless.” To ensure meaningful results, the government is insisting on a personal guarantee from Imran Khan.
Reports suggest the government is considering involving experienced political figures, such as Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, to help mediate and facilitate the discussions, should the need arise.
On Saturday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stressed the need for “unconditional and comprehensive” negotiations to address the political challenges facing Pakistan. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, he said, “We believe that dialogue should take place.” He added that it was essential to have inclusive talks to resolve the ongoing political crisis, emphasizing the importance of finding a lasting political solution.
Earlier, PTI leader Zartaj Gul revealed that Imran Khan had authorized negotiations with all political parties through a specially formed committee. Speaking on Samaa TV’s ‘Nadeem Malik Live,’ Gul shared details of her recent visit to Adiala Jail, where she had lengthy discussions with the PTI founder about the political and legal challenges facing the party. She stated, “Imran Khan expressed deep sorrow over the loss of PTI workers and stressed the need for legal experts to handle specific matters.”
A committee was formed, comprising Omar Ayub, Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser, with Omar Ayub given the authority to manage political affairs and the committee empowered to independently decide how and with whom to engage.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser also mentioned a recent meeting with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, during which both leaders discussed the political situation and the potential for negotiations between the two sides. Sources suggest that this informal discussion may lead to formal talks, where PTI will present its demands.
